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Print Friendly MapThe Consolidated Canal Path runs north–south along the entire length of the Consolidated Canal, an 18-mile-long waterway dating back to 1891. The route consists of both a paved path and a gravel-surfaced trail—more popular with horseback riders and joggers—on opposite sides of the canal for all but two short stretches: only a gravel path is available between Warner Road and Lindsay Road in Gilbert and from Riggs Road to Hunt Highway in Chandler.
The gentle-grade path connects Chandler (where it is also known as the Paseo Trail), Gilbert (known here as the Heritage Trail) and Mesa as it winds through neighborhoods, farms and parks. Waterfowl and fish can be spotted in the canal, and fishing is permitted. One highlight along the route is the Paseo Vista Recreation Area in Chandler, a 64-acre park atop a former landfill that offers a large archery facility, playground and disc golf.
In Gilbert, trail users can pick up the Western Canal Path to head towards Phoenix. From the trail's northern endpoint in Mesa, continue west on the Tempe Canal Path or head north on the Southern Canal Path to enter the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community.
Parking for the Consolidated Canal Path can be found at several parks throughout the trail's route:
February 22, 2021 First time on the Consolidated Bike Trail and our best AZ ride. We 78 & 79 bike the full 39 miles starting from Stadium parking lot to Riggs Road and back. We enjoyed the scenery including parks, residential sections, and rural landscape. We saw turtles in the canal as well as a heron and lots if fish. The ducks on the trail absolutely refused to move for riders so we went around them!! 75 degrees out!! Cleand well maintained trail. We will be back.
We walk or ride this trail several times every week. Heavier traffic on the weekends but still very open.
Hubby & I did this ride departing from Tumbleweed park. It was 16 miles to Hohokam Park in Mesa. The map said that was the end of the line but it appeared we could continue on the gravel path The trail goes concrete to gravel frequently. I didn’t think crossing the railroad tracks was a big deal as other reviews mentioned it. We did this ride mostly at night and it was lighted on the east side most of the way. It took us 2.5 hrs to do the 32 miles round trip. We were on pedal assist bikes and averaged 16 mph.
I enjoy rising this wide, well travelled path but dont like the shocks from the power lines or that you have to stop and lift your bike over the railroad tracks just west of Gilbert road. Other than that, there are several parks I passed, nice views and some cool fountains by Gilbert road. Overall, I'd much rather be off the main road and will take this path again and again.
This trail is a work in progress. We rode about 9 miles, from North Country Club Drive East/South to where the pavement ended. The concrete is smooth and wide in most sections, but became the width of a standard sidewalk near the end.
I hope they continue to pave it, but at least 6 feet wide would be better.
There are also numerous road crossings. Most of them had lights, or where not across heavily traveled roads, but few were pretty busy with no pedestrian crossing lights because they were too close to vehicular intersections.
A terrific path. We biked it from 8th Street & Harris to Downtown Gilbert. It was quiet, not crowded and a great day!
Decided to try this trail instead of driving to the hills and I'll definitely be back. It was hot, few people on the path and the short section I followed was easy to navigate across various intersections. Best of all, one of the parks on Ocotillo had decent restrooms (and I'll remember to park there next time).
Rode the path N from Germann Rd to Ray Rd. Good parking at a vacant building SE corner of Germann & Airport Blvd, it's right next to the bike path and other cyclists and walkers park there, busy intersection so lots of visibility for your car. Path was quiet and somewhat busy on a weekend day. Concrete path on the E side of the canal, and asphalt path on the W side. Road crossings are signalized. Public restrooms at park on N side of Chandler Rd. We will ride this path again.
Got on it at Riggs Rd, start of the paved section, rode N up to 202 then back. Parked at shopping center NW corner of Riggs & McQueen and rode wide sidewalk W .3 mi to path (shopping center lot empty on weekend).
Section from Riggs Rd to Chandler Heights Rd, expansion joints jarring, but N of there smooth. This section also appeared to have poor drainage, with evidence of puddles and dirt/gravel on path from previous rains.
Quiet and enjoyable path, well marked and signalized crossings of major roads, we'll use it again, and try further N.
Wonderful completely flat paved or gravel trail running along the canal. Suggest parking at Paseo Vista Recreational Area and riding north toward trail end and back. South is nice too but it is shorter and the canal was mostly empty. North has more water in canal with sizeable fish to watch. Hares and Roadrunners frequently crisscross the path.
Quite hot in midday, even late November. Recommend early or late day including lit in the evenings.
The Recreational Area has water and washrooms as well as playground, dog park, and Frisbee areas. Went to Garcia's about 3 km west and indulged in great Margaritas and enchiladas.
This is a great paved trail. Runs along side the canal and passes many parks. It is well lit for evening or night riding. Most road crossings have signal to cross with.
If you want to stay out of traffic and enjoy a long run or walk in the 'burbs, this trail's perfect. And I like the option of paved *and* dirt. But this trail is actually much longer than reported here. It goes a mile or so further south (dirt only) and several miles further north. Yes, you have to cross a few streets to keep going, but there's crosswalks right there or within yards of each crossing.
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